My name is Daniel. I am a recovering methamphetamine addict. I started coming to the Ridgedale YMCA when I came to Minneapolis from Iowa to get my teenage son back into my life. The Y has helped me in so many ways, I don't know where to begin!  

The YMCA took the place of drugs in my life and gave me the mental strength for the long road ahead of me. It's taken lots of hard work, but I am proving to my son that I meant what I said when I told him I was getting clean. I have been sober for 4 years and I'm in the right frame of mind to be a dad again.

As a youngster, I never had the chance to go to the Y, but I can see what a positive effect an environment like this can be for kids and grown-ups alike.

I am a bit imposing looking, so it took a while, but the members and staff at the Y eventually warmed up to me and the "regulars" and I would chat during my workouts. One of your Personal Trainers in particular, Wendy (Parsons), has been a great mentor to me and a pool of knowledge when I had questions about my workouts. She noticed how hard I worked and acknowledged the boundaries I was overcoming in my workouts and my life.

Wendy and the Y members have been really great to me and the other guys in my sober living facility. I can't thank the Ridgedale YMCA enough for being a part of my community and giving guys like me a chance to be our best. The facility is clean and well-maintained and the team is top shelf.

I want to thank the Ridgedale Y for showing kindness towards people who may be down on their luck.

A friend of the Y for life,

Daniel